Nestled in the heart of Manchester, Vermilion is a place where culinary artistry meets warm hospitality — and during my recent visit, it was evident that this restaurant offers far more than just a meal.
Vermilion is a three-storey destination that offers Pan-Asian dining, a beautifully designed cocktail bar, event spaces and a large wedding hall for celebrations.
From the moment I arrived through the floral archways and the lift opened to the first floor, I was greeted with a generous spirit and genuine warmth that set the tone for a memorable dining experience.
As a vegetarian, I often find myself navigating menus with caution, but the team at Vermilion went above and beyond to tailor the evening to my dietary needs. Their attentiveness and understanding accommodated and elevated my preferences. A wonderful first impression and a positive start to the evening ahead.
We began with a selection of starters that showcased the restaurant’s flair for Asian-inspired small plates. The Kale Pakora were a standout for me. Crisped and perfectly spiced, served with a tamarind chutney that was so good I kept on dipping. As were the beautifully steamed Tibetan Momo Dumplings, bursting with flavour and tossed in a tangy soy-based sauce. The Vegan Mango Maki added a refreshing, fruity twist, while the Korean Chicken Bao delivered a comforting contrast of softness and spice.
And yes, those were just the starters. The team at Vermilion were generous and enthusiastic, keen to share an array of dishes from their menu to provide a full and hearty experience.
For the main course, the table became a vibrant spread of rich, aromatic dishes. Though I didn’t try the Lamb Shank Massaman Curry or Chicken Satay Dumplings, the feedback from my other half was glowing. My personal highlights included the indulgent, creamy Dal Makhani, a dish I could return for time and again, and one that lived up to my memory of tasting the very best on a trip to India. The Podi Hispi Cabbage, which struck the perfect balance between earthy and spicy was a welcomed addition taken from the Spring Menu. Steamed cabbage cooked with miso stock and dressed with coconut Podi spice and cashew nuts. The Green Curry and Drunken Noodles added layers of warmth and depth, all paired beautifully with jasmine rice.
To round off the evening, we were treated to two desserts that ended the meal on a high note. The Bhapa Doi with rhubarb – a Bengali delicacy, offered a light, silky contrast to the boldness of the mains, while the Berry Crumble with vanilla ice cream delivered classic comfort with a touch of elegance.
Dining at Vermilion was more than just a gastronomic delight — it was a reminder of the magic that happens when culinary excellence is matched with genuine hospitality. Their website states ‘a luxury escape, redefined’, and that it was.
With beautiful interiors and flavours from across the globe, a real experience is to be had once you walk through those restaurant doors, and one that I would highly recommend.
Thank you, Vermilion, for bringing a taste of the East to the heart of Manchester.
Review and Images by Natasha Levy @tillylevyx
Feature image supplied
